Beginning Dance
is for the student with little or no dance experience. This course
focuses on the development of contemporary Dance technique,
incorporating elements of Modern Dance, Jazz, and Ballet. Areas of
concentration include: understanding correct stance, learning basic
dance movements, improving strength, flexibility, coordination and
balance, developing concentration, confidence, and spatial awareness,
comprehending the correlation between music and movement, and
experiencing the fun of dancing! The study of related areas such as
Composition, Improvisation, and Repertory is also included. Video
viewing, guest teachers, relaxation days, assembly performances, and
opportunities to perform in dance productions supplement classroom work.
Full-year Course, 1/2 credit. Each semester qualifies for 1 Co-curricular Credit as well.
Intermediate
Dance is for students with previous dance experience. This course
focuses on the study of Contemporary Dance Technique, incorporating
elements of Modern Dance, Jazz, and Ballet. Work in the Intermediate
class concentrates on the development of strong physical skills and
technical proficiency. Turns, jumps, fall and recovery, dynamics, and
timing are included. Emphasis is also placed on expanding aesthetic
sensitivity, developing confidence, working with more complex music and
various types of accompaniment, becoming adept at dancing in large or
small groups, and on having fun dancing! Study in related areas such as
Composition, Improvisation, and Repertory is also included. Video
viewing, guest teachers, relaxation days, somatic lessons and assembly
performances supplement classroom work. Students at the Intermediate
level are encouraged to choreograph and perform in dance productions. Full-year Course, 1/2 credit. Each semester qualifies for 1 Co-curricular Credit as well.
Advanced Dance
is open to students who have either completed Intermediate Dance or who
have a strong background in dance. Advanced level students are expected
to be highly motivated and skilled. The course is a study of
Contemporary Dance technique, incorporating elements of Modern Dance,
Jazz, and Ballet. Emphasis is placed on the expansion of technical
abilities and broadening movement capacity by learning material that is
not only physically complex but also mentally demanding. Advanced
dancers are challenged to seek the meaning behind the movement, to
develop artistic insight, to sweep, drop, tip, roll and have fun! A wide
range of accompaniment and musical styles is introduced, as is small
group and solo work. Study in areas such as Composition, Improvisation,
and Repertory is incorporated. Video viewing, guest teachers, relaxation
days, somatic lessons and assembly performances supplement classroom
work. Advanced level students are strongly encouraged to choreograph and
to perform in dance productions. Full-year Course, 1/2 credit. Each semester qualifies for 1 Co-curricular Credit as well.
Advanced Dance
II is a course designed for experienced and technically skilled dancers.
Students audition for admission to the class and are expected to adhere
to high standards of self-discipline, concentration, appropriate dress,
and proper dance class conduct. The course incorporates and adds to the
syllabus of advanced dance. Class work not only emphasizes technique
but also the development of aesthetic sensitivity. Students are expected
to learn quickly, go beyond where they are comfortable, think outside
of the box, apply corrections, and adapt to a variety of styles.
Advanced II dancers experience what its like to sometimes turn
traditional technique on its head, without sacrificing its integrity,
and to have fun doing it! Video viewing, guest teachers, relaxation
days, somatic lessons and assembly performances supplement classroom
work. The class also creates and performs a dance for Compchorea, our
annual dance and music concert. Students in Advanced II are strongly
advised to audition and/or choreograph for dance productions. Full-year Course, 1/2 credit. Each semester qualifies for 1 Co-curricular Credit as well.